5 to Thrive: Master the Five Essentials of Public Speaking and Influence

Did you know that only 8% of professionals consider themselves excellent public speakers? Yet studies show that individuals who communicate with confidence and clarity are 70% more likely to be promoted and can earn up to 10% more annually.

At Rise Up For You, we believe the gap isn’t just about fear—it’s about a lack of awareness around the small, powerful habits that can transform the way you speak, lead, and influence.

If you're ready to improve your public speaking and elevate your communication, these five core principles—our "5 to Thrive"—will help you inspire action and leave a lasting impact.

1. Posture: Presence Starts Before You Speak

Your posture communicates your confidence before you say a single word. When you slouch or avoid eye contact, it sends the message that you’re unsure or disengaged. But when you stand tall, keep your chest open, and make intentional eye contact, you establish authority and presence instantly.

Research shows that 55% of communication is nonverbal, and posture plays a key role. Whether you're on a Zoom call or presenting to a live audience, own your space and let your presence speak first.

2. Vocal Dynamics: Speak With Emotion and Variety

Monotone voices lose audiences. One of the fastest ways to become a more engaging speaker is by improving your vocal dynamics—that means changing your tone, pitch, volume, and pace to match the message.

Think of your voice like an instrument. Speed up when you're excited, pause to let an idea land, and vary your tone to keep listeners engaged. Vocal variety creates energy and emotional connection, which are both essential for influential communication.

Action step: Record yourself speaking and listen back. Is your voice engaging? Would you stay tuned in if you were the audience?

3. Energy: Lead the Room With Your Enthusiasm

Energy isn’t about being loud—it’s about being fully present and passionate about your message. Whether you're leading a team meeting or giving a keynote, your energy sets the tone.

If you’re not excited about what you're saying, why should anyone else be? Energy creates momentum, and momentum inspires action. Before any meeting or presentation, pause and ask:What energy do I want to bring to this room?

When you show up with enthusiasm and intention, people respond.

4. Confidence: The Unshakable Belief in Yourself

You can have perfect posture, vocal variety, and energy—but without confidence, your message will fall flat. True confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about self-belief.

If you don’t believe in your own message, your audience won’t either. Confidence is built through practice, preparation, and self-awareness. It’s also built by examining the internal beliefs that may be holding you back.

Ask yourself:What thoughts are limiting me, and where did they come from?Confidence grows when we challenge those thoughts and replace them with truth.

5. Clarity: Eliminate Filler and Speak With Intent

Clear communication creates powerful impact. Filler words and soft language—like "um," "just," or "I think"—weaken your message. Leaders speak with clarity, purpose, and precision.

Instead of saying, "I just wanted to check in," say, "I'm following up on our conversation from last week."Instead of, "I think this might be a good idea," say, "We should move forward with this idea."

Strong communicators don’t just speak clearly—they speak intentionally and inspire trust in their leadership.

Final Thoughts: Public Speaking Is a Skill You Can Learn

These five elements—posture, vocal dynamics, energy, confidence, and clarity—are what set apart average speakers from unforgettable leaders. The best part? These are learnable skills. You don’t have to be born with them. You just have to practice and commit to growth.

Whether you're an executive trying to inspire your team, a professional looking to boost engagement, or a speaker preparing for a major stage—Rise Up For You is here to support you.

Let’s start a conversation. Click here to schedule a free call and learn how we can help you elevate your voice and leadership.

Your voice has power. It’s time to use it.